Rocking-type exercise device

ABSTRACT

A rocking-type exercise device includes a seat on which a user can sits, a seat rocking unit for reciprocating the seat at least in one direction, a control unit for controlling the seat rocking unit so as to reciprocate the seat, and a detector unit for detecting a user&#39;s exercise posture to obtain detected information. The control unit includes a feedback stimulus output unit for comparing the detected information obtained by the detector unit with a target value and for outputting, if a difference exits between the detected information and the target value, a feedback stimulus by which to make the detected information come close to the target value.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a rocking-type exercise device forapplying an exercise load to a user sat on a seat by subjecting the seatto rocking movement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, there are proposed a variety of rocking-type exercisedevices for applying an exercise load to a user sat on a seat bysubjecting the seat to rocking movement. The rocking-type exercisedevices are simple and convenient exercise machines that can be used byanybody from children to old persons. The rocking-type exercise deviceshave been spread to rehabilitation-purpose medical institutions and thento general households. One typical prior art example of the rocking-typeexercise devices is disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-openPublication No. 2006-149468.

In the rocking-type exercise device disclosed in Japanese PatentLaid-open Publication No. 2006-149468, a pressure sensor or the like isprovided in at least one of, e.g., the upper surface of the seat, theside surface of the seat (or the saddle flap) and the inside of thestirrup. The exercise posture of a user is determined from theinformation provided by the pressure sensor. In this rocking-typeexercise device, the seat is configured to make reciprocating movementin response to the notification of an exercise posture based on thedetected information or in response to the detected information itself.

Although the rocking-type exercise device cited above proposes aconfiguration in which a notification unit is used to urge a user tocorrect his or her posture, it fails to suggest a method for accuratelyleading the user's posture or motion to a target one. Thus, demand hasexisted for the development of a rocking-type exercise device capable ofbringing the user's posture into close proximity to a target posturewith increased accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, the present invention provides a rocking-typeexercise device capable of accurately leading the user's exerciseposture to a target exercise posture.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided arocking-type exercise device including:

a seat on which a user can sits; a seat rocking unit for reciprocatingthe seat at least in one direction; a control unit for controlling theseat rocking unit so as to reciprocate the seat; and a detector unit fordetecting a user's exercise posture to obtain detected information,wherein the control unit includes a feedback stimulus output unit forcomparing the detected information obtained by the detector unit with atarget value and for outputting, if a difference exits between thedetected information and the target value, a feedback stimulus by whichto make the detected information come close to the target value.

With such configuration, by outputting the feedback stimulus by which tomake the detected information come close to the target value dependingon the difference between the detected information and the target value,it is possible to accurately lead the user's exercise posture to atarget exercise posture corresponding the target value. The term“feedback stimulus” used herein denotes a stimulus for guiding theuser's exercise posture by at least one of a sound, an image, a seatoperation amount and a seat operation pattern. Hereinafter, the term“feedback stimulus” will be used in this sense.

The feedback stimulus outputted by the feedback stimulus output unit maybe kept unchanged in meaning but changed in expression over time.

In this regard, description will be made on a sound as the feedbackstimulus. In case where the user takes a target exercise posture, it maybe conceivable to generate feedback stimuli identical in meaning butdiffering in expression, e.g., voices saying “good job”, “it's OK” and“keep it up”. By outputting the feedback stimuli identical in meaningbut differing in expression over time, it becomes possible to avoidapplication of monotonous stimuli and to keep the user from gettingweary. This makes it possible to keep the user motivated. Even in aninstance where the user has a difficulty in understanding a specificfeedback stimulus, it is possible to help the user understand thefeedback stimulus by outputting a feedback stimulus of other expression.This assists in coping with the difference among individual users.

The feedback stimulus output unit may be configured to redefine thetarget value or the feedback stimulus based on the detected information,if the detected information fails to come close to the target value fora predetermined time period in spite of the outputting of the feedbackstimulus by which to make the detected information come close to thetarget value.

With such configuration, it is possible to set a user-specific targetvalue or to output a user-specific feedback stimulus. In addition, theabove configuration makes it possible to reduce the target value or tooutput a safety-purpose feedback stimulus. As a result, the user cansafely use the present device with no overwork even when the user hasreduced physical strength or when the target value set at first is toohigh.

In the rocking-type exercise device, if the detected information is keptsmaller than the target value for a predetermined time period, thefeedback stimulus output unit may reduce the target value or output asafety-purpose feedback stimulus in order for the seat to safely makethe reciprocating movement.

With such configuration, the user can safely use the present device withno overwork even when the user has reduced physical strength or when thetarget value set at first is too high.

In the rocking-type exercise device, the feedback stimulus output unitmay be configured to stop outputting the feedback stimulus, if thedetected information fails to come close to the target value for apredetermined time period in spite of the outputting of the feedbackstimulus by which to make the detected information come close to thetarget value.

In other words, if the detected information fails to come close to thetarget value, it is determined that the target value is too high or theuser gets tired. Thus, the feedback stimulus output unit ceases tooutput the feedback stimulus. This makes it possible for the user tosafely perform an exercise in a favored posture with no overwork,instead of compelling the user to do an exercise at the target value.

In the rocking-type exercise device, the detector unit may include aplurality of posture detector units for detecting postures of differentbodily parts of the user to get a plurality of detected postureinformation, and wherein the feedback stimulus output unit may beconfigured to output feedback stimuli reflecting the difference betweenthe detected posture information and the target value in the order ofgreater deviation of the detected posture information from the targetvalue.

In other words, depending on the difference between the detectedinformation for the respective bodily parts and the target value,feedback stimuli are outputted one after another in the order of greaterdeviation of the detected information from the target value. By merelymoving the bodily parts in response to the feedback stimuli thusoutputted, the user can accurately take a target exercise posture(corresponding to the target value).

In the rocking-type exercise device, the detector unit may include aplurality of posture detector units for detecting postures of differentbodily parts of the user, the posture detector units being given apriority order, and wherein the feedback stimulus output unit may beconfigured to output feedback stimuli in the priority order.

In other words, the posture detector units are given a priority order inwhich to output feedback stimuli regardless of the difference betweenthe detected information of the posture detector units and the targetvalue. By outputting feedback stimuli in the priority order, it ispossible to urge the user to accurately take the target exercise posturewithout having to recognize the operation order which is important inleading the user to the target exercise posture.

In the rocking-type exercise device, the feedback stimulus output unitmay include a notification unit through which to notify the user of thefeedback stimulus or the feedback stimuli by at least one of a voice andan image, and wherein the feedback stimulus output unit may beconfigured to output, when notification is performed by the notificationunit, the feedback stimulus or the feedback stimuli together withincidental effects varying with the difference between the detectedinformation and the target value.

In other words, at least one of the voice and the image is not merelyoutputted as the feedback stimulus or the feedback stimuli but outputtedtogether with incidental effects varying with the difference between thedetected information and the target value. This helps prevent thefeedback stimulus or the feedback stimuli from becoming monotonous,which makes it possible to keep the user highly motivated.

In the rocking-type exercise device, the feedback stimulus output unitmay be configured to output the feedback stimulus or the feedbackstimuli after altering the emotion-appealing information contained inthe feedback stimulus or the feedback stimuli depending on thedifference between the detected information and the target value.

Use of this configuration helps prevent the feedback stimulus or thefeedback stimuli from becoming monotonous, which makes it possible tokeep the user highly motivated.

In the rocking-type exercise device, the feedback stimulus output unitmay be configured to output the feedback stimulus or the feedbackstimuli in such a way as to remind the user of the moving images of thebodily parts.

In this regard, description will be made on a sound as the feedbackstimulus. In order to remind the user of the moving images of the bodilyparts, the names of the user's bodily parts may be mentioned by, e.g.,saying “bend the knees” or “stretch the legs” or a metaphor may be usedby, e.g., saying “make round as if hugging the knees” or “stretch thelegs straight”. This makes it possible to accurately lead the user tothe target exercise posture (corresponding to the target value).Accordingly, it is possible to draw the user's attention to the bodilyparts at issue, which assists in effectively leading the user to thetarget exercise posture.

With the present invention, it is possible to provide a rocking-typeexercise device capable of accurately leading the user's exerciseposture to a target exercise posture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following description of embodiments, given in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of arocking-type exercise device in accordance with the present embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a seat rocking mechanism employed in therocking-type exercise device;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the seat rocking mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the seat rocking mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining sensors employed in the rocking-typeexercise device;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic system configurationof the rocking-type exercise device;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method of outputting a vocalfeedback stimulus;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a feedback data selection table;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views for explaining feedback data selection tablesin accordance with additional examples;

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a feedback data selection table inaccordance with a further additional example;

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a feedback data selection table inaccordance with a still further additional example;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a method of outputting a vocalfeedback stimulus in accordance with an additional example;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method of outputting a vocalfeedback stimulus in accordance with a further additional example;

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a feedback data selection table inaccordance with an additional example;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are views for explaining exercise postures inaccordance with additional examples, and FIG. 15C is a view forexplaining a feedback data selection table;

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are views for explaining feedback data selectiontables in accordance with additional examples;

FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are views for explaining exercise postures inaccordance with additional examples;

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining a feedback data selection table inaccordance with an additional example;

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining a feedback data selection table inaccordance with a further additional example; and

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining a feedback data selection table inaccordance with a still further additional example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 through 9.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rocking-type exercise device 10 includes a leg11 mounted on a floor surface not shown in the drawings, a seat rockingmechanism 12 as a seat rocking unit fixed to the top end of the leg 11,and a seat 13 fixed to the upper portion of the seat rocking mechanism12. The seat 13, on which a user can sit, has a shape imitating ahorseback or a saddle. The seat rocking mechanism 12 is configured tocause back-and-forth and left-and-right rocking motions to the seat 13.The seat rocking mechanism is covered with a cover 14 extending betweenthe upper end of the leg 11 and the seat 13. The cover 14 is made of apliable fabric or the like, thereby allowing the seat 13 to be rocked bythe seat rocking mechanism 12. Alternatively, the cover 14 may be formedof plural kinds of other materials.

An operation unit 15 is arranged in the frontal portion (on the leftside in FIG. 1) of the top surface of the seat 13. The startup, stoppageand operation state change of the seat rocking mechanism 12 areperformed by operating switches (not shown) provided in the operationunit 15.

In the so-called saddle flap lying on the frontal side surface of theseat 13 and making contact with the inner part of a thigh, a pressuresensor α as a detector unit is arranged as shown in FIG. 5 to measurethe pressure applied to the saddle flap. A so-called stirrup 16, onwhich the user's foot sole can be placed, is arranged in a rockablemanner. An angle sensor β is arranged in the stirrup 16 to measure theangle of the stirrup 16 so that the angle of the knee can be estimatedby a microcomputer 17 (see FIG. 6) set forth below.

Next, the seat rocking mechanism 12 will be schematically described withreference to FIGS. 1 through 4.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, a base 21 of rectangular plate shape is fixedto the upper surface of the leg 11 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2,a pair of front and rear shaft-supporting plates 22 is installed uprightin the base 21. A pair of connecting plates 24 depending from the frontand rear end portions of a movable trestle 23 is arranged in an opposingrelationship with the shaft-supporting plates 22. The shaft-supportingplates 22 and the connecting plates 24 are rotatably interconnected bypivot shafts 25 extending in the back-and-forth direction. The pivotshafts 25 are arranged at the transverse center of the base 21 and attwo points spaced apart in the back-and-forth direction, therebysupporting the movable trestle 23 so that it can rotate in thetransverse direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, a platform 27 for holding the seat 13 is arrangedabove the movable trestle 23 and is connected to the movable trestle 23through connecting links 26 so that it can rock in the back-and-forthdirection. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of side plates30 extending in the back-and-forth direction is installed in the leftand right portions of the movable trestle 23. As can be seen in FIG. 3,the connecting links 26 include a front link 26 a arranged at the frontside and a rear link 26 b arranged at the rear side. Referring again toFIG. 2, the lower end portion of the front link 26 a is pivotallyattached to a lower pivot pin 31 a provided in the front end portions ofthe side plates 30. The upper end portion of the front link 26 a ispivotally attached to an upper pivot pin 32 a provided in the front endportion of the platform 27. In addition, the lower end portion of therear link 26 b is pivotally attached to a lower pivot pin 31 b providedin the rear end portions of the side plates 30. The upper end portion ofthe rear link 26 b is pivotally attached to an upper pivot pin 32 bprovided in the rear end portion of the platform 27. The front and rearlower pivot pins 31 a and 31 b constitute transverse shafts forsupporting the connecting links 26 so that they can rotate abouttransverse axes. This enables the platform 27 to reciprocatingly rotateabout the transverse shafts in the back-and-forth direction as indicatedby an arrow M in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the platform 27 isconnected to the movable trestle 23 by the connecting links 26 and isswung in the transverse direction together with the movable trestle 23.Therefore, the platform 27 can be reciprocatingly rotated about thepivot shafts 25 in the transverse direction as indicated by an arrow Nin FIG. 4.

The distance between the front and rear lower pivot pins 31 a and 31 bis set shorter than the distance between the front and rear upper pivotpins 32 a and 32 b. Therefore, the rear link 26 b makes a specifiedangle with respect to the base 21 when the front link 26 a makes agenerally right angle relative to the base 21 as indicated by solidlines in FIG. 2. As a result, the rear end of the platform 27 becomeslower than the front end thereof, meaning that the platform 27 is tiltedbackwards. In contrast, the front link 26 a makes a specified angle withrespect to the base 21 when the rear link 26 b makes a generally rightangle relative to the base 21 as indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 2.As a consequence, the front end of the platform 27 becomes lower thanthe rear end thereof, meaning that the platform 27 is tilted forwards.Consequently, the seat 13 fixed to the platform 27 is caused to maketilting movement forwards and backwards.

A drive unit 35 is accommodated between the base 21 and platform 27. Thedrive unit 35 includes a motor 36 fixed to the base 21 so that theoutput shaft 37 thereof can protrude upwards. A motor gear 38 is fixedto the output shaft 37. A first gear 40 engages with the motor gear 38.The first gear 40 is coaxially fixed to a first shaft 39 whosetransverse ends are pivotally supported on the platform 27. An eccentriccrank 41 is connected to one end portion of the first shaft 39. Thefirst end portion of an arm link 43 is pivotally attached to theeccentric crank 41 by a pivot pin 42, while the second end portion ofthe arm link 43 is pivotally attached to the front link 26 a by a pivotpin 44. As the eccentric crank 41 makes eccentric circular movement withrespect to the first shaft 39 upon rotation of the motor 36, the frontlink 26 a reciprocates in the back-and-forth direction X and the seat 13makes rocking movement in the direction indicated by the arrow M in FIG.2. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the motor 36 (the output shaft 37),the motor gear 38, the first shaft 39, the first gear 40, the eccentriccrank 41 and the arm link 43 constitute a first drive unit.

As shown in FIG. 3, an interlocking gear 45 is fixed to the first shaft39 engages with a second gear 47 which is fixed to a second shaft 46pivotally supported on the movable trestle 23. The upper end of aneccentric rod 48 is connected to one end (the right end in FIG. 4) ofthe second shaft 46 by a pivot pin 49 in an eccentric relationship withthe rotational axis of the second shaft 46. The lower end of theeccentric rod 48 is rotatably connected to a connecting bracket 50 by apivot pin 51. The connecting bracket 50 is fixed to the base 21. As theupper end of the eccentric rod 48 makes eccentric circular movement bythe rotation of the second shaft 46, the movable trestle 23, namely theplatform 27 and the seat 13, makes rocking movement in the directionindicated by the arrow N in FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 through 4,the motor 36 (the output shaft 37), the motor gear 38, the first gear40, the first shaft 39, the second shaft 46, the second gear 47 and theeccentric rod 48 constitute a second drive unit.

The gear ratios of the respective gears in the first drive unit and thesecond drive unit are set to ensure that the seat 13 reciprocates twicein the back-and-forth direction while reciprocating once in thetransverse direction. Therefore, the seat 13 is rocked in such a way asto describe the numeral “8” when the rocking-type exercise device 10 isseen from above, consequently reproducing an operation just like horseriding.

By the first and second drive units configured as above, the seat 13 isrocked in the direction indicated by the arrow M in FIG. 2 and in thedirection indicated by the arrow N in FIG. 4. As a result of thiscombined rocking movement, the seat 13 is rocked in the θX directionaround an X-axis, the θY direction around a Y-axis and the θZ directionaround a vertical axis (or a Z-axis). This enables a user to train abody balance function and an exercise function. Furthermore, threemotions can be performed by a single motor 36, which assists in reducingthe number of motor. This leads to ease of control and reduction in costand size. In addition, the output shaft 37 of the motor 36 protrudes inone direction and the motor is installed in vertical orientation. Thismakes it possible to achieve size reduction by narrowing theinstallation space of the seat rocking mechanism 12 including the motor36. The seat rocking mechanism 12 is stored between the base 21 and theplatform 27, which makes it possible to faithfully reproduce the desiredhorse riding operation.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of therocking-type exercise device 10. A power supply unit 61 carried by acircuit board 60 is designed to convert a commercial alternating currentinputted through a power supply plug (not shown) to a direct current of140V or 15V and then to supply the direct current to individual circuitsprovided in the circuit board 60. A control circuit 62 as a control unitis mounted to the circuit board 60. The control circuit 62 includes amicrocomputer 17 as a feedback stimulus output unit and a memory 63which stores drive operation patterns and the like. The control circuit62 is connected to a sensor unit 64, which includes the angle sensor βand the pressure sensor α, a voice signal processing IC 65 and adatabase 66.

As mentioned above, the angle sensor β detects the angle of the stirrup16. Based on the result of detection of the angle sensor β, themicrocomputer 17 estimates the knee angle of a user. The pressure sensorα detects the pinching force of the user's thigh and outputs the resultof detection to the microcomputer 17.

A voice data storage unit 67 and a speaker 68, which constitutes thefeedback stimulus output unit and the notification unit, are connectedto the voice signal processing IC 65. Thus, the voice signal processingIC 65 can notify the speaker 68 of, e.g., music data pre-stored in thevoice data storage unit 67.

Tables corresponding to various kinds of operation patterns, such as afeedback data selection table group 69 and the like, are stored in thedatabase 66.

Next, one example of the output of a vocal feedback stimulus in therocking-type exercise device 10 of the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The pinching force (pressure) of the user's thigh is detected by thepressure sensor α and the result of detection is outputted from thepressure sensor α to the microcomputer 17 of the control circuit 62(step S100). The microcomputer 17 acquires the result of detection (stepS200). After sampling the detection results for a specified time, themicrocomputer 17 calculates a representative value S_(n), i.e., anaverage value of the detection results outputted from the pressuresensor α (step S300).

Then, the microcomputer 17 compares the representative value S_(n) withthreshold values pre-divided into a plurality of steps (five steps inthe present embodiment) as illustrated in FIG. 8 (step S400). Based on aspecified data selection table (see FIG. 8) within the feedback dataselection table group 69 of the database 66 shown in FIG. 6, themicrocomputer 17 selects the feedback voice data stored in the voicedata storage unit 67 through the voice signal processing IC 65 (stepS500). In the present embodiment, the threshold values are set in theorder of 1V, 2V, 3V, 4V and 5V from the lower side, and the target valueindicative of a target exercise posture is set equal to 3V. The feedbackvoice data outputted depending on the representative value S_(n) arealso shown in FIG. 8. If the representative value S_(n) is equal to thethreshold value 1V, the microcomputer 17 selects the data of “with fargreater force.wav” which is a voice record saying “with far greaterforce”. If the representative value S_(n) is equal to the thresholdvalue 2V, the microcomputer 17 selects the data of “with a littlegreater force.wav” which is a voice record saying “with a little greaterforce”. If the representative value S_(n) is equal to the thresholdvalue 3V (or the target value), the microcomputer 17 selects the data of“it's OK.wav” which is a voice record saying “it's OK”. If therepresentative value S_(n) is equal to the threshold value 4V, themicrocomputer 17 selects the data of “relax a little bit.wav” which is avoice record saying “relax a little bit”. If the representative valueS_(n) is equal to the threshold value 5V, the microcomputer 17 selectsthe data of “relax.wav” which is a voice record saying “relax”.

Then, the microcomputer 17 allows the speaker 68 to output the feedbackvoice data selected in step 5500 (step S600). Thereafter, themicrocomputer 17 is operated to repeat step S100 through step S600.

By employing the afore-mentioned configuration in which a voice as afeedback stimulus is outputted from the speaker 68 depending on thedifference between the target value 3V and the representative value Sn,i.e., the average value of the detection results outputted from thepressure sensor α, the user can recognize the difference between thetarget posture and the current posture. This makes it possible to leadthe user's posture so that the representative value S_(n) can becomeequal to the target value 3V. Thus, it becomes possible to rapidly andaccurately lead the user's exercise posture to the target posture.

Next, description will be made on the advantageous effects specific tothe present embodiment.

The control circuit 62 as a control unit includes the pressure sensor αas a detector unit for detecting the exercise posture of the user whosits on the seat 13, and the microcomputer 17 as a feedback stimulusoutput unit that makes comparison between the detected information(representative value S_(n)) obtained in the pressure sensor α and thetarget value (or the threshold values 3V). Depending on the differencebetween the detected information and the target value, the microcomputer17 outputs through the speaker 68 a voice for making the representativevalue S_(n) come close to the target value. By outputting the voice formaking the representative value S_(n) come close to the target valuedepending on the difference between the detected information and thetarget value, it is possible to rapidly and accurately lead the user'sexercise posture to the target exercise posture corresponding the targetvalue.

The embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows.

Although only one feedback data selection table is used to apply a vocalfeedback stimulus to the user in the foregoing embodiment, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. As an alternative example, a pluralityof feedback data selection tables may be used as shown in FIGS. 9A and9B.

At this time, a posture/operation determination algorithm 70 stored inthe database 66 may be called out by the microcomputer 17 so that thealgorithm 70 can change the feedback data selection tables of thefeedback data selection table group 69 over time. In this case, it maybe possible to employ a configuration in which only the wording of thevoice data applied to the user is changed over time without changing themeaning thereof. More specifically, it may be conceivable to employ aconfiguration in which the data of “it's OK.wav” selected in case of thethreshold value 3V in the foregoing embodiment is changed to the data of“keep it up.wav” which is a voice record saying “keep it up” asillustrated in FIG. 9A and then the changed data is outputted from thespeaker 68. Thereafter, the data of “keep it up.wav” is changed to thedata of “good.wav” which is a voice record saying “good” as illustratedin FIG. 9B and then the changed data is outputted from the speaker 68.By outputting the vocal feedback stimuli identical in meaning butdiffering in expression over time, it becomes possible to avoidapplication of monotonous stimuli and to keep the user from gettingweary. This makes it possible to keep the user motivated. Even in aninstance where the user has a difficulty in understanding a specificfeedback stimulus (e.g., the data of “it's OK.wav”), it is possible tohelp the user understand the feedback stimulus by outputting a feedbackstimulus of other expression (e.g., the data of “keep it up.wav”). Thisassists in coping with the difference among individual users.

Although the target value is set equal to the threshold value 3V in theforegoing embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. Asshown in FIG. 10, the threshold values 2V and 3V may be used as targetvalues without having to limit the target value to a single one.

The configuration noted above is effective in broadening the width oftarget value by setting the threshold values 2V and 3V as target values,in such an instance where the representative value S_(n) fails to reachthe target value even when a voice as a feedback stimulus has beenoutputted from the speaker 68 as a feedback stimulus output unit whilethe user using the rocking-type exercise device 10 for a predeterminedtime period. The broadened target value allows a user with a weakmuscular force to safely use the rocking-type exercise device 10 with nooverwork. By changing the target value depending on the detectedinformation (or the representative value S_(n)) in this manner, itbecomes possible to set a user-specific target value.

Although the voltages of 1V through 5V are used as the threshold valuesin the foregoing embodiment, the present invention is not limitedthereto. In the feedback data selection table illustrated in FIG. 8, thethreshold values are set into five steps of 1V, 2V, 3V (target value),4V and 5V. During the course of using the rocking-type exercise device10, the threshold values may be changed to five steps of, e.g., 0.5V,1V, 1.8V (target value), 2.5V and 3.5V, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

The configuration by which to reduce the threshold values in the courseof using the rocking-type exercise device 10 can be effectively used insuch an instance where the detected information from the sensors (e.g.,the pressure sensor α) fails to reach the target value (namely, in casewhere the detected information is smaller than the target value) evenwhen a voice as a feedback stimulus has been outputted from the speaker68 as a feedback stimulus output unit while the user using therocking-type exercise device 10 for a predetermined time period. Thereduction in the target value results in a reduction in exercise amountand sets a user free from excessive burdens. Even if the target valueset at first is too high, the user can safely use the rocking-typeexercise device 10 with no overwork. By changing the target valuedepending on the detected information (or the representative valueS_(n)) in this manner, it becomes possible to set a user-specific targetvalue.

Alternatively, a configuration in which only the target value is changedmay be employed as illustrated in FIG. 12. In the configuration shown inFIG. 12, steps for lowering the target value are added between step S300and step S400 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7. More specifically,the microcomputer 17 temporarily stores in the memory 63 therepresentative values, i.e., the average values of the detectedinformation successively supplied from the pressure sensor α, as S_(n),S_(n−1) and S_(n−2) in the order of latest occurrence. The microcomputer17 compares the representative values S_(n), S_(n−1) and S_(n−2) withthe target value (step S301). If the representative values S_(n),S_(n−1) and S_(n−2) are smaller than the target value (or if YES in stepS301), the target value is multiplied by a predetermined numerical value(of smaller than 1), thereby reducing the target value into a new targetvalue (step S302). Then, the flow proceeds to step S400 alreadydescribed in respect of the foregoing embodiment. If the representativevalues S_(n), S_(n−1) and S_(n−2) are equal to or greater than thetarget value (or if NO in step S301), the microcomputer 17 does notchange the target value and the flow proceeds to step S400 alreadydescribed in respect of the foregoing embodiment. By changing the targetvalue depending on the detected information (or the representative valueS_(n)) in this manner, it becomes possible to set a user-specific targetvalue. In addition, if the detected information supplied from thedetector unit (or the representative value S_(n)) is kept smaller thanthe target value for a predetermined time period, the target value isset smaller so that the rocking operation can be performed in a safeway. As a result, the user can safely use the present device 10 with nooverwork even when the user has reduced physical strength or when thetarget value set at first is too high.

Although not specifically mentioned in the foregoing embodiment, thetarget value may be kept unchanged in order to safely perform thereciprocating movement, if the detected information supplied from thepressure sensor α as a detector unit remains smaller than the targetvalue (or the threshold value 3V) for a predetermined time period. Forexample, it may be conceivable to employ a configuration by which tooutput a voice data of “it's OK.wav” or other voice data as asafety-purpose feedback stimulus through the speaker 68. Employment ofthis configuration helps prevent a user from taking an overload posture,thereby enabling the user to safely use the present device 10.

Although not specifically mentioned in the foregoing embodiment, it maybe conceivable to employ a configuration in which, if the representativevalue S_(n) as the detected information supplied from the pressuresensor α does not come close to or gets away from the target value (orthe threshold value 3V), the feedback control is stopped by notoutputting the voice as a feedback stimulus through the speaker 68,namely by ceasing to output the feedback stimulus.

More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the microcomputer 17temporarily stores in the memory 63 the representative values, i.e., theaverage values of the detected information successively supplied fromthe pressure sensor α, as S_(n), and S_(n−1) and S_(n−2) in the order oflatest occurrence. The microcomputer 17 calculates the difference U_(n)between S_(n) and S_(n−1) which precedes S_(n), and the differenceU_(n−1) between S_(n−1) and S_(n−2) which precedes S_(n−1) (step S310).Then, the microcomputer 17 determines whether the differences U_(n) andU_(n−1) are all smaller than zero (step S320). If the differences U_(n)and U_(n−1) are all determined to be smaller than zero (or if YES instep S320), a voice saying “don't overstrain if tired” is outputtedthrough the speaker (step S330). If the differences U_(n) and U_(n−1)are all determined to be equal to or greater than zero (or if NO in stepS320), the microcomputer 17 proceeds to step S400 already described inrespect of the foregoing embodiment. At the end of step S330, themicrocomputer 17 asks the user, e.g., through the speaker 68, whether toterminate the feedback control for guiding the exercise posture by avoice (step S340). If the user selects the termination of feedbackcontrol using a switch not shown (or if YES in step S340), themicrocomputer 17 ceases to output the voice as a feedback stimulus andstops the feedback control for guiding the exercise posture by a voice(step S350). In contrast, if the user does not select the termination offeedback control (or if NO in step S340), the flow proceeds to step S400already described in respect of the foregoing embodiment.

As set forth above, if the detected information fails to come close tothe target value, it is determined that the target value is too high orthe user got tired. Thus, the microcomputer 17 ceases to output thefeedback stimulus (or the voice). This makes it possible for the user tosafely perform an exercise in a favored posture with no overwork,instead of compelling the user to do an exercise at the target value.

In the foregoing embodiment, only one sensor (i.e., the pressure sensorα) is used when the voice as a feedback stimulus is outputted throughthe speaker 68 depending on the difference between the detectedinformation and the target value. Alternatively, a plurality of sensors(e.g., the pressure sensor α and the angle sensor β) may be used inoutputting the voice as a feedback stimulus through the speaker 68.

In addition to the above, it may be conceivable to employ aconfiguration in which voices as feedback stimuli are outputted oneafter another through the speaker 68 in the order of greater deviationor badness of the detected information (or the representative valueS_(n)) from the target value. More specifically, if the target values ofthe pressure sensor α and the angle sensor β are all 3V as illustratedin FIG. 14 and if the detected information (or the representative valueS_(n)) of the pressure sensor α is 1V with the detected information (orthe representative value S_(n)) of the angle sensor β being 2V or 3V,the microcomputer 17 may output feedback stimuli (e.g., voices) forimproving the detected information of the pressure sensor α asillustrated in FIG. 14. In other words, depending on the differencebetween the detected information (or the representative value S_(n)) forthe respective bodily parts and the target value, feedback stimuli(e.g., voices) are outputted one after another in the order of greaterdeviation of the detected information for the respective bodily partsfrom the target value. By merely moving the bodily parts in response tothe feedback stimuli thus outputted, the user can accurately take atarget exercise posture (corresponding to the target value).

It may also be conceivable to employ a configuration in which a priorityorder is applied to the respective sensors α and β and voices asfeedback stimuli are outputted through the speaker 68 in the priorityorder. For example, the user may be urged to change his or her posturefrom the state illustrated in FIG. 15A in which the lower half of theuser's body (or the legs) is stretched and propped to the stateillustrated in FIG. 15B in which the lower half of the user's body (orthe legs) is bent. In this case, it is necessary to urge the user toreduce the angle of the knees prior to reducing the pinching force ofthe thighs. If the knee angle is not equal to the target value “small”as shown in FIG. 15C, a voice as a feedback stimulus for improving thedetected information (or the representative value S_(n)) of the anglesensor β is outputted through the speaker 68, thereby urging the user topay attention to the knee angle. Once the knee angle becomes equal tothe target value “small”, a voice as a feedback stimulus for improvingthe detected information (or the representative value S_(n)) of thepressure sensor α is outputted through the speaker 68. In other words,the pressure sensor α and the angle sensor β are given a priority orderin which to output feedback stimuli (e.g., voices) regardless of thedifference between the detected information of the respective sensorsand the target value. By outputting feedback stimuli (e.g., voices) inthe priority order, it is possible to urge the user to accurately takethe target exercise posture without having to recognize the operationorder which is important in leading the user to the target exerciseposture.

Although not specifically mentioned in the foregoing embodiment, it maybe conceivable to employ a configuration in which the emotion-appealinginformation of a voice is altered by changing the voice data to the onesshowing encouragement or appreciation for the user's efforts. Morespecifically, the feedback data selection table shown in FIG. 16A may bechanged to a feedback data selection table illustrated in FIG. 16B,which indicates the voice data containing the emotion-appealinginformation for encouragement, or a feedback data selection tabledepicted in FIG. 16C, which indicates the voice data containing theemotion-appealing information for appreciation. In this case, it ispreferred that the content of the emotion-appealing information ischanged depending on the difference between the target value and thedetected information (or the representative value S_(n)). Use of thisconfiguration helps prevent the feedback stimulus from becomingmonotonous, which makes it possible to keep the user motivated.

Although not specifically mentioned in the foregoing embodiment, it maybe conceivable to employ a configuration by which to output a feedbackstimulus specifying the names of components making contact with theuser's bodily parts. For example, it may be possible to employ aconfiguration in which the voice data of “let's lower the stirrup.wav”,i.e., a voce record saying “let's lower the stirrup”, is selected whenthe user's posture is to be changed from the state illustrated in FIG.17A, in which the legs are stretched, to the state shown in FIG. 17B, inwhich the shins are oriented vertically downwards.

Although not specifically mentioned in the foregoing embodiment, it maybe conceivable to employ a configuration by which to output a feedbackstimulus mentioning the user's bodily parts. For example, it may bepossible to employ a configuration in which the voice data of “furtherstretch the knees.wav” illustrated in FIG. 19, i.e., a voice recordsaying “further stretch the knees”, is selected when the user's postureis to be changed from the state illustrated in FIG. 17C, in which theshins are bent, to the state shown in FIG. 17B, in which the knees arestretched to some extent. Alternatively, it may be possible to employ aconfiguration by which to select the voice data of “stretch the kneesslowly.wav” illustrated in FIG. 20, i.e., a voice record saying “stretchthe knees slowly”. By mentioning the names of the user's bodily parts inthis manner, it is possible to lead the user to the target exerciseposture (corresponding to the target value) and to draw the user'sattention to the bodily parts at issue. This makes it possible toeffectively lead the user to the target exercise posture.

Although the feedback stimulus is outputted in the form of a voiceaccording to the foregoing embodiment, the present invention is notlimited thereto. For example, the feedback stimulus may be a sound suchas background music or the like rather than the voice. As a furtheralternative, the feedback stimulus may be outputted in the form of animage or the like. For example, as illustrated by dot lines in FIG. 6,it may be conceivable to employ a configuration in which the image datapre-stored in an image data storage unit 72 are outputted to an LCD 73and notified to the user by an LCD driver 71 connected to the controlcircuit 62. In addition, it may be conceivable to employ a configurationby which to output a feedback stimulus regarding the change in theoperation pattern or operation amount of the seat 13. For example, asindicated by dot lines in FIG. 6, it may be conceivable for the controlcircuit 62 to control the seat rocking mechanism 12 in such a manner asto reduce the operation speed of the seat 13 or to make the rockingoperation angle of the seat 13 substantially horizontal, therebylessening the exercise load. This may be notified to the user by a voiceor through the display of an image or the like.

Although not specifically mentioned in the foregoing embodiment, it maybe conceivable to employ a configuration by which to output a feedbackstimulus together with incidental effects. One example of the incidentaleffects is to change the sound volume, sound quality, sound pitch andpeak frequency of a voice or background music outputted as a feedbackstimulus. It is preferred that the degree of these effects varies withthe difference between the target value and the detected information (orthe representative value S_(n)). Use of this configuration helps preventthe feedback stimulus from becoming monotonous, which makes it possibleto keep the user highly motivated.

Although the pressure sensor α and the angle sensor β are used asdetector units in the embodiment and modified examples described above,the detector units may include, e.g., an image sensor γ indicated by adot line in FIG. 6.

In the foregoing embodiment, the representative value S_(n) refers tothe average value obtained by sampling, for a specified time period, thedetected information outputted from the pressure sensor α. However, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. As an alternative example, therepresentative value S_(n) may be a peak value rather than the averagevalue.

In the foregoing embodiment, the seat 13 is operated in such a way as todescribe the numeral “8”, consequently performing a rocking motion justlike horse riding. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto. As an alternative example, it may be possible to employ aconfiguration in which the seat 13 is allowed to make rocking motionsonly in the back-and-forth direction or the transverse direction.

Although the values of the threshold and the target and the like areexemplified in the embodiments described above, but the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The threshold value and the targetvalue and the like may be varied as necessary.

While the invention has been shown and described with respect to theembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modification may be made without departing from thescope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

1. A rocking-type exercise device comprising: a seat on which a user cansits; a seat rocking unit for reciprocating the seat at least in onedirection; a control unit for controlling the seat rocking unit so as toreciprocate the seat; and a detector unit for detecting a user'sexercise posture to obtain detected information, wherein the controlunit includes a feedback stimulus output unit for comparing the detectedinformation obtained by the detector unit with a target value and foroutputting, if a difference exits between the detected information andthe target value, a feedback stimulus by which to make the detectedinformation come close to the target value.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the feedback stimulus outputted by the feedback stimulus outputunit is kept unchanged in meaning but changed in expression over time.3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the feedback stimulus output unitis configured to redefine the target value or the feedback stimulusbased on the detected information, if the detected information fails tocome close to the target value for a predetermined time period in spiteof the selecting and outputting of the feedback stimulus by which tomake the detected information come close to the target value.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3, wherein, if the detected information is kept smallerthan the target value for a predetermined time period, the feedbackstimulus output unit reduces the target value or outputs asafety-purpose feedback stimulus in order for the seat to safely makethe reciprocating movement.
 5. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein thefeedback stimulus output unit is configured to stop outputting thefeedback stimulus, if the detected information fails to come close tothe target value for a predetermined time period in spite of theselecting of the feedback stimulus by which to make the detectedinformation come close to the target value.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the detector unit includes a plurality of posture detector unitsfor detecting postures of different bodily parts of the user to get aplurality of detected posture information, and wherein the feedbackstimulus output unit is configured to output feedback stimuli reflectingthe difference between the detected posture information and the targetvalue in the order of greater deviation of the detected postureinformation from the target value.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein thedetector unit includes a plurality of posture detector units fordetecting postures of different bodily parts of the user, the posturedetector units being given a priority order, and wherein the feedbackstimulus output unit is configured to output feedback stimuli in thepriority order.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the feedback stimulusoutput unit includes a notification unit through which to notify theuser of the feedback stimulus or the feedback stimuli by at least one ofa voice and an image, and wherein the feedback stimulus output unit isconfigured to output, when notification is performed by the notificationunit, the feedback stimulus or the feedback stimuli together withincidental effects varying with the difference between the detectedinformation and the target value.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein thefeedback stimulus output unit is configured to output the feedbackstimulus or the feedback stimuli after altering the emotion-appealinginformation contained in the feedback stimulus or the feedback stimulidepending on the difference between the detected information and thetarget value.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the feedback stimulusoutput unit is configured to output the feedback stimulus or thefeedback stimuli in such a way as to remind the user of the movingimages of the bodily parts.